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At the beginning of 2026, I made a bingo card. (Yes, a literal bingo card. Yes, for my own life. And yes, I do it every year.) Read about it HERE) One of the boxes on my card? Make more art. Not "think about making art." Not "save 47 videos of other people making art on Instagram and feel vaguely inspired." Actually do it. So I signed up for a pottery class. I've been wanting to take classes at Hand / Thrown — the ceramics studio tucked into Northside on Brookland Park Boulevard — for a couple of years now. It just kept getting pushed to the "eventually" pile, the way things do. And when I realized it was once again, the first thing I put on that bingo card,  I thought: if not now, when? My friend Meghan, who has been taking classes there for a while, gave me one piece of advice before my first class last Friday: the wheel will humble you. She was, it turns out, completely correct. What Actually Happened at My First Class Here is what I always expect when I try something new: to be at least a bit of a natural. I may not be GREAT, but I can usually pick up things like this enough that I'm quickly at least "okay." But who knows? Maybe this is my hidden talent, waiting to be discovered. Here is what actually happened: my clay did not cooperate. It got too wet. It started disappearing. Then it went lopsided. Then it shrunk and went lopsided, which is apparently a skill unto itself. But here's the thing — I loved it anyway. Not in a "this is fine, I'm fine, everything is fine" way. In a genuine, something-shifted-in-me way. When you are trying to center clay on a wheel, you cannot be thinking about your email. You cannot be running through your to-do list. You cannot be half-present, which is, if we're honest, the way most of us move through most of our days. The wheel demands your full attention. It doesn't negotiate. That's the thing nobody tells you about creative pursuits: they don't just make something. They make you stop. And stopping, it turns out, is deeply underrated. Hand / Thrown is the perfect place to do it, by the way. They opened in 2018 with the goal of making ceramic arts accessible to everyone, from total beginners to experienced artists, and they've built exactly that kind of community. It doesn't feel intimidating. It feels like a place where it's okay to make a lopsided bowl (or a really, really thick and chunky cup)  and laugh about it. Which, as it happens, is exactly what I needed. The Other Things on the Creativity Square Pottery isn't the only square I'm working on. I've also been drawing every day — nothing fancy, nothing that's going to end up in a gallery. Just a sketchbook and a pen and ten or fifteen minutes of making marks on paper. It's the consistency that matters, not the output. (I say this to myself regularly, on the days when what I've drawn looks like something a very tired child produced.) And last weekend, I hosted a little "crafternoon" gathering. Just a group of some of my favorite women, tables covered in supplies, making things and being together. No phones out, no super structured activity, no pressure to produce anything worth keeping (and I didn't even take pictures!). Just hands busy and conversation easy and an afternoon that felt, like much needed like medicine. These things — the pottery, the drawing, the crafternoon — they don't feel like self-care in the way that word usually gets used. They feel like something more than that. More for me, in a deeper way. More transformative than a manicure, where I always feel anxious to move or escape. And for me, much more restorative than a glass of wine on the couch. Not that those things don't have their place. They absolutely do. But this is different. This is the kind of thing that makes you feel like yourself again. A Few Ideas If You're Ready to Try Something You don't need a bingo card (though I highly recommend one). You just need to decide that your creative thing is worth an hour or two. A few starting points, in case you need them: If you want to try pottery: Hand / Thrown offers one-day intro classes — no commitment, no experience needed, just show up and see if the wheel speaks to you. (Fair warning: it may humble you. That's part of it.) Find them at 123 W Brookland Park Blvd in Northside, right down the street from Ruby Scoops, if you need a post-class treat incentive. You're welcome. If you want to draw but feel like you "can't": You can. Get a cheap sketchbook and just start. Draw your coffee cup. Draw your dog looking at you judgmentally. Draw something badly and don't throw it away. Ten minutes a day is enough to start rewiring your brain's relationship with making things. If you want community around it: Host your own crafternoon. Seriously. Just text four people, tell them to bring whatever they're working on (or nothing at all, you'll have supplies), put some snacks out, and see what happens. The bar is lower than you think and the payoff is much higher. If you want something completely different: Richmond is genuinely full of options — painting classes, printmaking, bookbinding, textile arts, music lessons, writing groups. The Visual Arts Center of Richmond (VisArts) alone has more classes than you could take in a year. There is a creative thing with your name on it. You just have to say yes to it. The Point Here's what I keep coming back to: we spend a lot of time doing things for other people, or for a goal, or for a result. The pottery isn't for a goal. The drawing isn't for a result. The crafternoon wasn't for anyone's Instagram (I mean, it might have been good there, but again- no pictures. I was crafting!) These things are just for me. And somewhere along the way, I think a lot of us forgot to have those. So if there's something you've been putting on the "eventually" list — a class, a hobby, a skill, a Sunday morning with a sketchbook and no agenda — I'd gently suggest that eventually is now. The wheel (or whatever) may humble you. But that's kind of the whole point.  

Valentine's Day (or any day!) Flourless Chocolate Cake Whether you have a gluten sensitivity, or you just want a super rich, decadent desert that feels better than "everyday," this one nails it every time. 8 oz.good quality dark chocolate, chopped 1/4 cup  unsalted butter 4 eggs, separated ¼ cup plus 1 Tbsp sugar Powdered sugar, for dusting 1 cup heavy cream, softly whipped, for serving Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 6 inch cake pan. Separate eggs, placing the yolks in a medium bowl, and the whites either in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, or in another medium bowl. Set up a double boiler - place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring that the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl. Melt the chocolate and butter in the double boiler, stirring until melted and shiny. Remove from the heat. Place the yolks and ¼ cup of the sugar in a medium bowl. Whisk by hand until fluffy. Add the melted chocolate mixture to the yolks, and whisk well to incorporate. Whip the egg whites until foamy. Add remaining sugar, and continue to whip until soft peaks form. Carefully fold the egg whites into the chocolate and yolk mixture, taking care not to deflate the mixture too much. Fold until well combined. Scrape the mixture into the prepared tin. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until set around the edges and still slightly soft in the middle. Cool for 20 minutes in the pan, then carefully turn out onto a wire rack and allow to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with soft whipped cream (or ice cream, obviously!) A few tips- Use good chocolate! At least 70% cacao, and something you'd love to eat alone. It will definitely make a difference here. Serve it with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or any kind of ice cream your heart desires! Happy Valentine's Day!

For a blank printable checklist, click HERE.

February in Richmond is packed with ways to get out, stay cozy, and enjoy everything RVA has to offer. From Valentine’s Day celebrations and Galentine’s markets to festivals, live music, family-friendly activities, and community events, something is happening almost every day of the month. Below, you’ll find a day-by-day guide to events in and around Richmond, VA for February 2026, making it easy to plan your weekends, or any day. Whether you’re looking for date-night ideas, things to do with friends or family, or local happenings to explore solo, this list has you covered. Sunday, February 1 🎨 Open Studio Sunday | RVA Community Makers – 1:00 PM–3:00 PM at VMFA Thursday, February 5 ❓ Trivia Night at Bingo (Scotts Addition) – 7:00 PM–9:00 PM 🎭 The Friendship & Music of Loretta Lynn & Patsy Cline – 7:00 PM. Friday, February 6 🖼 After 5 Fridays at VMFA – 6:00 PM–8:00 PM Galentine's Bloom Bar – 6:00 PM–8:00 PM Saturday, February 7 🍦 Ice Cream for Breakfast at Ruby Scoops – 8:00 AM–6:00 PM 🍦 National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day at Gelati Celesti – 9:00 AM–12:00 PM 🍽 Scotty’s Ultimate Galentine’s Brunch – 11:00 AM–3:00 PM ❤️ Richmond Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival 2026 - 11:30 AM-9:00 PM 🎶 An Evening with Leslie and The Dots @ Black Iris Social Club – 8:00 PM 🎶 Candlelight: The Best of Bridgerton on Strings – 8:45 PM–10:00 PM 🐶 Beauty & the Beast Dog Show (Richmond Raceway Complex) – All day ❄️ Snowball Festival – 11:00 AM–4:00 PM 🔥🐴 ChinaFest: Year of the Fire Horse | Family Day - 10:00 AM-4:30 PM Sunday, February 8 💕 Lakeside Love Fest 2026 – 11:00 AM–3:00 PM at Lakeside Farmer’s Market Valentine's Day Market – 1:00 PM–5:00 PM Wednesday, February 11 🎷 Dominion Energy Jazz Café – 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at VMFA Thursday, February 12 🐶 Dog Kissing Booth at Richmond SPCA – 4:00 PM–7:00 PM 🖼 RVA Community Makers 2026 Unveiling at VMFA – 6:00 PM 💡 Laser Show: Prince @ Science Museum of Virginia – 6:30 PM & 8:15 PM ❓ Trivia Night at Bingo – 7:00 PM–9:00 PM Friday, February 13 🖼 After 5 Fridays at VMFA – 6:00 PM–8:00 PM 🎭 Dark Valentine’s Fantasy Ball: A Morbid Masquerade (21+) – 8:00 PM–1:00 AM Saturday, February 14 – Valentine’s Day 🎧 Silent Valentine Party – 7:00 PM–10:00 PM 🎶 My Funny Valentine: Scott Wichmann & Friends – 8:00 PM–10:00 PM 🍺 Pours & Pasties: Valentine’s Edition – 9:00 PM–11:00 PM 🦎 Richmond Reptile Expo – 9:00 AM (Richmond Raceway Complex) Comedy Show: LOLentine's – 8:00 PM–10:00 PM Sunday, February 15 💐 2026 Galentine’s Day Market at Hardywood – 12:00 PM–5:00 PM 🍻 Sips & Sweethearts @ Cirrus Vodka – 1:00 PM–4:00 PM 🎱 Bingo at Bingo – 3:00 PM–5:00 PM Wednesday, February 18 🎷 Dominion Energy Jazz Café – 6:00 PM–8:00 PM Thursday, February 19 ❓ Trivia Night at Bingo – 7:00 PM–9:00 PM Friday–Sunday, February 20–22 🌸 History Blooms @ Virginia Museum of History & Culture (Floral Exhibit) – Daily Saturday, February 21 🍻 Richmond Beer Fest – 12:00 PM–4:00 PM Saturday, February 28 🌍 World Wildlife Day & RVA Environmental Film Festival @ Maymont – 10:00 AM–4:00 PM ⭐ Ongoing/Running All Month 🎨 RVA Community Makers 2026 Art Installation – Feb 13 to Mar 29 at VMFA

If you’ve been following real estate headlines lately, you’ve probably seen Richmond named as one of the hottest housing markets in the country. On the surface, that sounds like great news—but if you live here, you may be wondering what that actually means for you. Is it a great time to sell? Is it harder than ever to buy? And do those national rankings really reflect what’s happening on the ground? Let’s take a closer look at what buyers and sellers are truly experiencing in the Richmond real estate market. What the Headlines Are Really Measuring Most national rankings look at big-picture metrics like affordability, job growth, population increases, and price trends. In many cases, Richmond does check those boxes. We’ve seen steady job growth, strong demand, and continued interest from buyers relocating from higher-cost areas. But those statistics don’t always capture what’s happening neighborhood by neighborhood—or even street by street. Are Homes Still Getting Multiple Offers? Yes—multiple offers are still happening in Richmond, even during the winter months. And when multiple offers are happening in the slower season, it’s a strong indicator that demand remains high. That said, not every home is receiving the same level of interest. The listings that tend to attract the most competition usually share a few things in common: They’re well maintained and move-in ready They’re priced appropriately They’re located in desirable neighborhoods Classic Richmond colonials, especially those with garages, fenced yards, and neighborhood amenities, continue to be among the strongest performers. Not All Homes Perform the Same in a Hot Market As you move away from the most desirable locations or home styles, competition tends to soften. Homes near busy roads, in less walkable areas, or needing significant updates may still sell—but often without the frenzy suggested by the headlines. This is why a blanket statement like “Richmond is hot” can be misleading. Who Benefits Most in a Hot Richmond Market? The biggest winners tend to be: Sellers with well-maintained, updated homes Sellers in strong neighborhoods Out-of-state buyers relocating from higher-priced markets Buyers coming from more expensive areas may find Richmond homes relatively affordable, even when local buyers feel priced out. That can give them an edge in competitive situations. Strategy Matters More Than Ever for Buyers In a competitive market, preparation is everything. Buyers who succeed typically: Have strong pre-approvals Understand their true budget Know where they can be flexible Work with an agent who understands local competition A clear strategy can be the difference between winning and losing a home you love. Sellers Still Need a Pricing Strategy A hot market doesn’t mean you can price your home however you want. Pricing correctly is still critical to generating interest and multiple offers. Homes that are overpriced often sit longer—even in strong markets. Having the right pricing and marketing strategy is just as important now as it is in slower markets. Headlines Don’t Replace Local Expertise Richmond may be a hot housing market, but that doesn’t mean every buyer is doomed—or every seller is guaranteed success. Results depend on location, condition, price range, and strategy. If you’re thinking about buying or selling in the Richmond area, the best first step is a conversation about your goals and your segment of the market. If you have questions or want help creating a strategy that fits your situation, I’d love to help. Reach out anytime to get started.

If you’re waiting for 2021 again—the “list it on Thursday, 47 offers by Sunday, and someone writes the seller a love sonnet” era—I don’t think that’s coming back. And honestly? That’s not bad news. What is happening as we begin 2026 is something I’ll call more normal: we still have strong demand in Richmond and the surrounding counties, but we also have more room for strategy, more room for due diligence, and (hallelujah) more room for real conversations. If you’re buying or selling in Richmond City, Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover, or Powhatan, here’s the straightforward, non-panicky update. How the market “feels” right now (without drowning you in numbers) 1) Inventory is still tight, and that keeps a floor under prices Across the broader Central Virginia region, we’re still sitting at under ~2 months of supply for single-family homes. In plain English: there are not enough homes for all the people who want them, especially in the most popular pockets. That’s why I don’t see prices “dropping” in any meaningful way. Do we see some price reductions? Yes. But that’s usually a specific house problem, not a “Richmond is collapsing” problem. 2) Negotiations (and inspections) are back This is the biggest shift I’m seeing—and it’s healthy. Sellers aren’t automatically getting a blank check just for having a house, and buyers aren’t having to sign over their firstborn to get one (in most cases, at least). The data shows the pace has cooled from the peak frenzy—homes are taking a bit longer than “blink and it’s pending,” and sellers are, on average, not getting quite the same level of automatic over-asking behavior we saw when everything was a bidding war. 3) Mortgage rates: don’t build your whole plan around a big drop As of January 8, 2026, Freddie Mac’s weekly survey puts the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6.16%. Could rates drift a bit? Sure. But I agree with your instinct: a dramatic drop isn’t likely soon enough to be the “wait it out” strategy—and in the meantime, life happens (job changes, kids, divorces, downsizing, “we cannot share one bathroom for one more day,” etc.). A quick “Richmond-area snapshot” by vibe (not a spreadsheet) City of Richmond and Henrico: Still highly competitive for homes that are priced right and show well. Zillow’s trend pages are still showing many areas going pending in around two weeks. Chesterfield and Hanover: Strong demand, lots of family/space-driven buyers, and good homes move quickly—again, especially when they’re well-prepped and priced correctly. Powhatan: More breathing room than some other core areas, but it’s definitely not sleepy—the data still shows a market where buyers and sellers both need a plan. Zooming out: Richmond is still getting national attention as a market to watch in 2026. If you’re buying in early 2026 The biggest advantage you have right now: strategy (not speed) Here’s a real (anonymous) example that’s exactly what I mean: I had buyers fall in love with a home and we knew it would be competitive. So before we even wrote the offer, we got super honest about: their risk tolerance what they needed to feel comfortable after a home inspection what would make the offer clean and easy for the seller without throwing caution to the wind We didn’t waive everything. We waived enough to show the seller we weren’t going to come back with a mile-long repair list—but we still protected the buyers from major issues. Result: they got the house because the offer was thoughtful, not just loud. That’s the 2026 playbook: a confident, clean offer that fits YOUR comfort level. I tell my buyer clients all the time- I’m not here to “sell you” a house. This is your journey and it needs to be on your timeline. My job is to help you: understand what’s realistic in the neighborhoods you like spot red flags (and help you avoid expensive regret) negotiate with a calm head when your emotions may be doing cartwheels If you're thinking of buying, I can run a quick “buyer reality check” for your target area: what’s actually moving, what’s sitting, and what winning offers are doing right now. Just reply to this email. If you’re selling in early 2026 “Top dollar” is still out there… it just has to be earned The homes that sit right now? They usually fall into one of three buckets: Overpriced Not “done” (or not presented well) Not marketed well (yes, marketing still matters—more than ever) And the data backs up the overall environment: inventory is still constrained regionally, and prices are generally holding up over the longer run—so buyers are out there. What’s changed is that buyers are more selective. They’ll pay for quality, but they’re less willing to “just accept” obvious condition issues at a premium price. My seller promise I’m not here to slap a sign in the yard and hope for the best. I’ll give you: a clear pricing strategy (with the “why,” not just the number) a prep plan that makes sense for your budget and timeline marketing that actually does the job (not just pretty photos) “Should we wait until rates drop?” My answer is still no. Rates are unlikely to drop enough soon to make a dramatic difference for most people—and while you’re waiting, prices can keep creeping up. This can all cause you to lose time you don’t get back, and end up paying more when you do buy. If you’re ready to buy or ready to sell, the better move is: let’s meet and build a strategy that fits your timeline, your comfort level, and your goals. (Not a generic one. Yours.) Freddie Mac’s current reading (6.16% as of January 8, 2026) is exactly why I’m focusing clients on strategy and terms—not fantasies about a quick return to 3%. Want the “what does this mean for my house?” version? Reply to this email (or call/text me) with one of these and I’ll send you a quick, no-pressure snapshot: Your neighborhood (or the one you want to buy in) Your price range (whether you're buying or selling) Your timeline (“this spring,” “sometime this year,” “ just curious”) I’ll tell you what’s realistic, what’s working, and what I’d do if you were my sibling/best friend/client-who-I-like-a-lot.

January cooking should be warm, cozy, and forgiving. This is the kind of meal that makes your house smell amazing and your brain feel like it has its life together- without creating a humongous mess and a sink full of regrets. Why you’ll love this recipe One pan Minimal chopping It works with whatever winter veg you’ve got (just chop things Leftovers are actually good Ingredients (serves 4-ish. This is totally flexible, so measure with your heart.) Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts Baby potatoes (or chopped Yukon golds) Carrots Red onion Garlic (yes, a lot) Lemon (zest + juice) Olive oil Salt + pepper Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence Optional: a handful of kale added at the end How to make it Heat oven to 425. Toss chopped vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs. Spread on sheet pan. Make sure you chop vegetables approximately the same size. Nestle chicken into the veg. Pat chicken dry, season generously. Mix lemon juice + zest + minced garlic + olive oil. Drizzle over everything. Roast ~35–45 minutes until chicken is cooked through and veg is caramelized. Optional: toss kale onto the pan for the last 5 minutes. Finish with a squeeze of lemon. Serving ideas With crusty bread (the best) Over rice With a simple green salad This is my favorite kind of weeknight dinner: low effort, high reward, and it makes January feel like a cozy choice, not like you're just grinding through.

For a printable checklist, click HERE.

If January had a personality, it would probably be: quiet, slightly dramatic, and obsessed with fresh starts. Every year, January shows up with two competing vibes: “Let’s stay inside forever.” “Let’s change our entire life immediately.” I’m showing up here in 2026 with a third option: a soft reset. No need to restore full factory settings. I'm here for the simple, cozy, low-pressure ways to feel more grounded without turning your life into a spreadsheet (unless you’re into that… no judgment). Here are 12 analog-ish winter ideas in RVA that don’t require perfect weather, perfect energy, or a brand-new personality. 1) Take a “20-minute winter walk” Not a hike. Not a fitness quest. Just 20 minutes outside—your neighborhood, Libby Hill Park, a stroll somewhere pretty. Winter light is underrated, and so is fresh air that doesn’t feel like hot soup. 2) Do a “Carytown meander” with one rule: no rushing Go mid-morning or early afternoon, before parking is a nightmare. With a friend, or solo. Pop in and out of shops. Buy one small treat. Leave before it turns into a whole production. 3) Choose one museum afternoon Pick one museum, commit to wandering slowly, and let yourself be inspired by something that has nothing to do with your to-do list. Bonus points if you finish with coffee and a little people-watching. My recommendations? The Valentine for learning something new about Richmond, or the VMFA and check out Giants- the fantastic collection from Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz. 4) Plan a “third place” date with yourself A third place is somewhere that isn’t home and isn’t work—where you can just... exist. Coffee shop, bookstore, cozy bar corner, library. Bring a book. Bring a notebook. Bring absolutely no expectation of productivity. (This is kind of what Silent Reading Party is to me- a way to just be. And a chance to read, with no distraction of phone calls, laundry, or things that need doing. It's also a great way to "ease in" to a solo date- everyone else is doing the same thing!) 5) Do a “phone in the bag” dinner Put your phone in your bag (or in the other room) for one meal. Light a candle if you want to be extra. It’s weirdly peaceful, and you can do it at home, or out- again, solo or with someone. 6) Make one reservation for February January can feel like a waiting room, and a cold one at that. Give yourself something to look forward to: a dinner, a show, a day trip. Future-you will be thrilled. 7) Pick one “winter comfort” ritual Tea at 3pm. A nightly stretch. A puzzle on the table. A playlist while you cook. The point isn’t perfection—it's repetition. 8) Do a Sunday reset that’s not a punishment (way better than Sunday Scaries) Just give it ten minutes: toss old flowers, wipe counters, start laundry, set out Monday clothes. Done. No all-day cleaning marathon required. 9) Go on a “library date” Yes, seriously. The library is the ultimate January vibe: quiet, cozy, and it makes you feel like you have your whole life together. Oh, and you might even learn something! 10) Try a new neighborhood walk Park somewhere you don’t usually park and take a 30-minute loop. You’ll notice details you’ve never seen. (And if you fall in love with an area… you know who to call!) 11) Make a “winter inside” bucket list (5 items max) Keep it tiny: one soup recipe one movie night one friend dinner one day trip one declutter project That’s it. January doesn’t have to be a self-improvement bootcamp. 12) Write down three things you want more of in 2026 Not goals. Just more of.More outside time. More dinner parties. More calm mornings. More saying “no” without guilt.This list becomes your compass for the year. Will you try any of these? Let me know if you do!

Buying a Home in Richmond VA in 2026 If you’re thinking about buying a home in Richmond VA in 2026, the best time to start planning is now—not months before you’re ready to move. Preparation is what separates confident buyers from stressed buyers when the right home hits the market. Even though it might feel early—especially during the busy holiday season—laying the groundwork now can save you stress, disappointment, and rushed decisions later. In this video, Richmond real estate expert Cindy Bennett shares a simple 30-day home buying plan designed to help buyers feel confident, informed, and ready when the right home comes along. Week One: Get Clear on Your Numbers The first step in preparing to buy a home in Richmond is understanding your real financial picture. This means more than just browsing online estimates or guessing what you might qualify for. A conversation with a trusted lender helps you focus on what truly matters: your monthly payment. Most buyers don’t buy based on price alone—they buy based on what fits comfortably into their monthly budget. During this first week, you’ll want to understand: Your estimated monthly payment Down payment requirements Closing costs How interest rates affect affordability Getting clarity early helps you avoid falling in love with homes that are outside your comfort zone or overlooking homes that are actually within reach. It also creates confidence, which is essential when the market moves quickly. Week Two: Narrow Down Richmond Neighborhoods Once you understand your budget, it’s time to focus on where you want to live. Richmond offers a wide variety of neighborhoods, each with its own personality, price points, and lifestyle benefits. During this phase, buyers should think beyond the house itself and focus on lifestyle priorities. Do you want to be able to walk to coffee shops or restaurants? Is commute time a major factor? Are parks, playgrounds, or schools important to your daily life? This is the week to: Identify a short list of neighborhoods Drive through them at different times of day Test your commute if possible Get a real feel for each area By doing this early, you’ll recognize a great opportunity when it appears and won’t hesitate because you’re unsure about the location. Week Three: Move From Pre-Qualification to Pre-Approval There’s a big difference between being pre-qualified and being pre-approved. In week three, the goal is to finalize a true pre-approval so you’re ready to act when the right home hits the market. A pre-approval shows sellers that you’re serious, prepared, and financially capable. It also gives you confidence knowing that when you make an offer, you can move forward without delays. This is also the time to create three essential lists: Must-haves Nice-to-haves Absolutely not These lists help narrow your search and keep emotions in check. At the same time, flexibility is important. Many buyers find that being open-minded leads them to a home that fits their needs even better than what they originally imagined. Week Four: Start Touring Homes and Refining the Plan By week four, the preparation work starts turning into action. This is when your agent helps match your wish list to actual inventory and sets up targeted searches based on your priorities. Online photos and listings are helpful, but nothing replaces walking through a home in person. Touring homes allows you to understand layouts, condition, and feel—things that don’t always come across online. During this stage, you’ll: Begin touring homes Refine your search criteria Adjust expectations if needed Gain confidence in recognizing the “right” home Even if you don’t buy immediately, this step prepares you mentally and emotionally so that when the perfect opportunity appears, you’re ready to move decisively. Why Starting Early Matters Starting your home-buying plan early gives you time, clarity, and confidence. It allows you to make thoughtful decisions instead of rushed ones and puts you in a strong position when competition increases. If 2026 is your year to buy a home in Richmond, now is the time to start the conversation. Putting a simple plan in place today can make the entire experience smoother, more enjoyable, and far more successful. 📍 Richmond, Virginia & surrounding areas📞 Ready to start your home-buying plan? Reach out today to schedule a conversation and take the first step toward your next home. 🎥 Check out my YouTube channel for more videos like this!